Chord Tones: Beyond Basic to BRILLIANT Solo Lines

Many musicians learn chord notes only to find their improvisation still sounds basic. In this video, we explore techniques to enrich your solo lines. We'll focus on practical strategies to enhance your improvisation skills beyond the basics.
👉*Jazz skills membership & a full free lesson* My site for members with hundreds of categorized tutorials, webinars, learning tools and individual support. Suitable for all levels.www.JazzSkills.com

[@paulr494]

I’m happy to out myself as a Jazz Skills member still loving the YT content. I am in recovery from the “cool sh**” cycle and from thinking books are the answer. I could start a shop😂

[@themfu]

I’m with you on all counts! (JazzSkills member, recovering from books, etc.). Thank god for Shan’s teaching skills in addition to his jazz skills 👍

[@CHYPCAR]

Ditto :)

[@kleve6572]

Fantastic lesson! Could not agree more on “exploring the depths of…simple things”

[@JazzSkills]

Thank you very much. I wish you well with your playing.

[@Solid_Brass]

What a brilliant lesson, indeed you nailed it!

[@Winelighter]

love your logical approach

[@JazzSkills]

Thank you so much!

[@coreycongilio]

Great stuff as always. You're comments about getting bored and feeling like one needs to explore other things outside of this type of lesson is powerful!

[@JazzSkills]

Thank you. I think that's one of the biggest challenges for learners. Depth is so important!

[@matthewgrandison8794]

Great Lesson. I have been wondering how to 'learn' how to create solo lines. I am going to practice theis type of creation techniques for the next few weeks.

[@stephenbellotti2036]

Hi Shan - this was a great reminder/motivation to really explore and "squeeze the juice" out of my phrases. Thanks!

[@JazzSkills]

Thank you Stephen!

[@joeallen9420]

Great job!!

[@arpadternei6991]

Another great lesson Shan! Thanks!🙏

[@scruffyleon7383]

Staying with your idea of playing chord tones on the beat and non-chord tones off beat, you can use the rhythm of the song in that measure to mimic the pattern. For instance Satin Doll first two measures rhythm pattern: 1&2 3& , & 3& , cont. or change as the rhythm pattern changes. It keeps the melody in mind because of the rhythm. I always enjoy your videos. You always give good, useful tips that can help a wide range of ability levels. My motto: Learn to play what you hear in your head. Sometimes a tune is in my mind. I figure out the melody and then the Chords, all in my head without touching my instrument. I then go thru various improv lines in my head. I can then pick up my instrument and play the tune and do improv to check my accuracy. It is slow at first but you get faster and more accurate as your skill of hearing the notes gets better. It is called Ear Training in Music Classes. Relative Pitch. You can recognize which of the 7 scale degrees you are on. If not one of those notes, then you only have five other notes it can be.

[@rebanelson607]

I've never been able to generate the effort necessary to learn the "fancy" scales but I really like this approach. Thanks for another interesting and doable lesson!

[@JazzSkills]

Thank you and I hope it helps you.

[@markcox5385]

As ever, very inspiring!

[@AnthonyCollierMusic]

Awesome lesson as usual!

[@Csharpflat5]

Great show

[@mer1red]

By the way, if you use only the first approach explained in the lesson (reordering the chord notes and connecting them to the next chord), it doesn't mean that you play at a beginners level. I noticed Charlie Parker used this often in his solo's. What matters is his articulation and how he put rhythmic accents.

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Thank you,Shan⭐🌹🔥🌹⭐

[@JazzSkills]

Thanks for being part of this journey.

[@themfu]

Your choice of video topics is excellent and approachable! Love the concept of exploring the depth of simple concepts, as an alternative or adjunct to learning new scales & licks.

[@JazzSkills]

Thanks very much. It's the simple things that make all the difference.

[@spirosmoutsatsos4590]

Would you be interested teaching me And What do you charge? Thanks

[@JazzSkills]

These days, I'm focused on Jazz Skills members so that's the best way to learn from me. www.JazzSkills.com

[@yanlevykeys]

I really love your lessons! Do you have instagram?

[@JazzSkills]

Thank you very much! I'm planning to get on there soon 🙂